Anxiety decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is rated at 20 percent, effective August 11, 2014. His right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted initial 20 percent ratings, effective August 11, 2014 and April 29, 2019 respectively. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective November 15, 2012. His right foot fibromatosis and left foot fibromatosis are granted service connection. His bilateral hip strains are secondary to his knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and headaches. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective July 8, 2013. The Board has determined that this rating is appropriate for the entire appellate period.

Service connection is granted for a left elbow disability and consequent left elbow and forearm scar.,Service connection is denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, TBI, left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, or cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for benefits under 38 U.S.C. � 1805 and 1815, finding that he does not have a form of spina bifida other than occulta and his mother is not a Vietnam veteran.

The Board has ordered the remand of two issues: service connection for residuals of a left Achilles tendon rupture and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims will need to be further developed with additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as they are related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, bilateral hallux valgus, and/or bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome with neuropathy. Additional VA examinations and medical opinions are needed to address the likelihood of secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service in Vietnam. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether any current diagnoses, including PTSD and depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, are related to the Veteran's active-duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, and speech disability are not service-connected due to lack of credible evidence supporting their onset or connection to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, finding no current diagnosis of the condition. Service connection was granted for an unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of anxiety with depression secondary to alcoholism and tinnitus, so these issues are dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's previous claims were denied due to lack of current diagnosis or no relationship to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified anxiety disorder has been rated at 10 percent since July 2012, but the Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, as well as his claim for back disability, has been granted. The effective date for the award of service connection is set at October 9, 1975.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease has been denied.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder is remanded and requires additional examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder prior to November 12, 2019 did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, anxiety neurosis, bilateral hearing loss, and a groin rash. The issues of left leg condition, left foot condition, and heart condition are also remanded due to outstanding medical questions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of clear and unmistakable evidence regarding pre-service OSA.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, specifically missing private psychological treatment records from a licensed marriage family therapist who has been treating the Veteran since 1988. The Veteran needs to provide authorization for VA to obtain these records.